Freeville Blog

The Village of Freeville is excited to announce a new partnership with TCAT that makes accessing public transportation more convenient than ever for our residents.

You can now purchase TCAT bus passes directly at Village Hall using cash or check and leave with a physical pass in hand. Available options include:

• 15-Ride Full Fare Passes
• 15-Ride Reduced Fare Passes for senior citizens and persons with disabilities
• 1-Day Unlimited Ride Passes
• 31-Day Unlimited Ride Passes

Passes are also available for purchase online through the TCAT website, giving residents multiple convenient ways to access transportation services.

Need the latest bus schedule? We’ve got that covered too. Current TCAT schedules are available free of charge at Village Hall.

We are proud to help make public transportation more accessible and convenient for our community. Whether you’re commuting to work, heading to appointments, running errands, or exploring the area, TCAT offers an affordable and reliable transportation option.

Stop by Village Hall to take advantage of this new service, and join us in thanking TCAT for partnering with the Village of Freeville to improve accessibility and transportation options for our residents.

The Village of Freeville is pleased to share that The Village Pantry, located at 24 Main Street, will celebrate its Grand Opening on Monday, September 21, from 5:00PM to 8:00PM.

Residents are invited to stop in, meet the owner, and enjoy an evening featuring door prizes and a visit from Pizza Therapy, who will be on site selling their wood-fired pies. Community members who have tried Pizza Therapy know how popular their offerings are, and this event provides a great opportunity to enjoy them while welcoming a new local business.

The Village Pantry will be closed during the day on Monday to prepare for the event, but regular operating hours are as follows:

• Monday: 6:30am – 1:00pm & 3:00pm – 6:00pm
• Tuesday: 6:30am – 1:00pm
• Wednesday: 6:30am – 1:00pm & 3:00pm – 6:00pm
• Thursday: 6:30am – 1:00pm

The owner shared that they are deeply grateful for the community’s support and appreciate everyone’s patience as they continue working to increase production and expand offerings. The Grand Opening is an opportunity for residents to see the space, learn more about the products available, and support a new Main Street business.

We encourage all residents to stop by, enjoy the event, and help welcome The Village Pantry to the Freeville business community.

The Freeville Harvest Festival returns on Saturday, September 12th, bringing a full day of food, music, family activities, and community spirit to Main Street. Hosted by the Freeville United Methodist Church, this year’s festival blends long‑loved traditions with a meaningful opportunity to honor both our local heroes and one of Freeville’s most cherished community members.

The day begins at 9:30 AM with a special recognition ceremony for the members of the Freeville Fire Department and local first responders. Coffee and morning treats will be available as neighbors gather to show appreciation for those who serve and protect our community.

From breakfast to barbecue, the festival offers something for everyone:

• 9:00 AM – Breakfast sandwiches and coffee from the grill
• 11:00 AM – Famous chicken BBQ dinner, hotdogs, and homemade pie by the slice

Live entertainment runs throughout the day, including:

• 10:00 AM – Lisa Gayle, Dance Movement Therapy
• 12:00 PM – The Rose Alaimo Trio
• 1:00 PM – Premium Blend, Ithaca College’s all‑female a cappella group

Families will find plenty to enjoy:

• 10:30 AM – Kids Parade (Theme: Harvest Vegetable)
• 11:00 AM – Storytime with Southworth Library featuring special guest Bluey
• 11:00 AM–1:00 PM – Face painting, kids crafts and games, blessing of the animals, and hands‑on activities with the Fire Department

Throughout the festival, attendees are invited to support the Nancy Carver Day of Sharing & Caring, a community collection effort honoring the life and service of Nancy Carver.

The second flyer describes Nancy as “a woman whose kindness left a lasting imprint on all who knew her.” Her decades of volunteer work—mission trips, Habitat for Humanity, and advocacy for children and families—continue to inspire Freeville today.

In her memory, the festival will collect personal care items for the Women’s Opportunity Center in Ithaca, including:

• Soap and body wash
• Toothbrushes and toothpaste
• Deodorant
• Diapers
• Baby wipes
• Other essential hygiene items

Donations may be brought directly to the collection space at the festival.

The Harvest Festival has always been a celebration of Freeville’s spirit—neighbors gathering, children laughing, music filling Main Street, and volunteers working side by side. This year’s event deepens that tradition by honoring both our first responders and Nancy Carver’s legacy of compassion.

Join us on September 12th from 9:30 AM–2 PM at the Freeville United Methodist Church for a day of gratitude, celebration, and community care.

The Freeville Annual Community Picnic is just around the corner, and we’re excited to welcome neighbors for an afternoon of good food, outdoor fun, and time together as a community.

📅 Date: Sunday, August 30 ⏰ Time: 12:30–2:30pm 📍 Location: Freeville Elementary School Pavilion

This year’s picnic will feature hotdogs, Jean’s homemade apple pies a la mode, and ice cream from Toads Too, along with other frozen treats to help everyone stay cool. Residents are encouraged to bring a picnic dish to share and, if possible, bring your own plate and utensils to help reduce waste.

Yard games will be set up for all ages, and families are welcome to bring their own favorites. The playground will be open for kids, and the event will be held rain or shine.

While you’re here, take a moment to support the Freeville Farmers Market and enjoy the chance to connect with neighbors, friends, and new faces.

We look forward to seeing you there.

The McLean Potato Festival on Saturday, July 25 is shaping up to be a full day of food, fun, and community spirit. Two major events—the Potato Salad Contest and the Car & Motorcycle Show—will bring together residents, families, and visitors for a lively summer celebration at Cassavant School.

Think your potato salad has what it takes to win over the crowd? McLean is inviting cooks of all ages and styles to enter their Potato Salad Contest at the festival.

• Contest Begins: 11:30 AM
• Location: Cassavant School
• Entry: Free
• What to Bring: A 3×13 dish holding 3–5 lbs of your best potato salad
• Prizes: Top 3 winners + People’s Choice Award

It’s a fun, friendly competition that celebrates creativity, tradition, and good food. Whether you’re entering or just tasting, it’s a great way to kick off the day.

Alongside the food festivities, the McLean Potato Fest is hosting a lively Car & Motorcycle Show featuring classic cars, custom builds, motorcycles, and more.

• Time: 11 AM – 3 PM
• Location: Cassavant School
• Entry Fees: $20 per car, $10 per bike
• Prizes: Best in Show
• Extras: Goodie bags for the first 50 entrants + a stereo contest

It’s a perfect event for vehicle lovers and families alike—a chance to stroll through rows of impressive rides, meet local owners, and enjoy a relaxed summer afternoon.

Both events highlight the creativity, enthusiasm, and community pride that make local festivals so special. Residents from across the area are encouraged to stop by, participate, and enjoy a day filled with great food, great vehicles, and great company.

For questions or entry details, email mcleanfestival@gmail.com.

Freeville loves a good community celebration — especially when it involves cheering on our neighbors in McLean. This year, the McLean Potato Fest is serving up something truly legendary: the Lord of the Fries Fry‑Eating Championship, a fast‑paced, fry‑filled showdown that promises big laughs, big crowds, and even bigger appetites.

Sponsored by SILO, the event is all about fun, friendly competition, and supporting a great local tradition just down the road.

The fry‑eating challenge is simple, spirited, and absolutely entertaining. Contestants race through increasing amounts of fries, round by round, until only one champion remains.

• Round 1 — 10 contestants eat ½ lb of fries; 2 eliminated
• Round 2 — 8 contestants eat ¾ lb; 2 eliminated
• Round 3 — 6 contestants eat 1 lb; 2 eliminated
• Round 4 — 4 contestants eat 1½ lbs; 2 eliminated
• Final Round — 2 finalists eat 2 lbs; first to finish wins

It’s quick, it’s quirky, and it’s exactly the kind of small‑town fun we love to support.

The winner earns a trophy and the ultimate bragging rights as McLean’s official Lord of the Fries. It’s the kind of title you’ll be talking about for years.

• Saturday, July 25
• 3 PM
• Cassavant Elementary School, McLean, NY

Whether you’re competing or just watching, it’s a perfect summer outing for families, friends, and anyone who enjoys cheering on local traditions.

To compete, email mcleanfestival@gmail.com. Only ten spots are available — so if you think you’ve got what it takes, now’s the time.

We’re proud to help spread the word about this fantastic event. The McLean Potato Fest is a celebration of community, creativity, and good‑natured competition — and we hope to see plenty of Freeville faces in the crowd supporting our neighbors.

The McLean Community Council is partnering with Greek Peak’s Cascades Indoor Waterpark for a special June fundraiser that blends community spirit with summer fun. Throughout the entire month, families and friends can enjoy discounted waterpark passes for $35, with a portion of each ticket supporting the McLean Community Council and the Potato Festival. It’s an easy way to make memories while giving back to the community.

Participating is simple. Start by creating an account at greekpeak.net. After your account is set up, select the Groups tile and redeem the group invitation using the code HLRVE and PIN 0626. From there, choose the date of your visit, add your tickets to the cart, and proceed to checkout. Once your purchase is complete, you’ll receive an email with a barcode to present when you arrive at the waterpark. Then all that’s left is to enjoy your day and know that your visit is helping support local programs.

If you need assistance or have questions, community contacts Jim and Nick Totman can be reached at mcleanfestival@gmail.com or 607‑283‑6250. For questions on the Greek Peak side, Kim Thayer is available at kthayer@greekpeakmountainresort.com or 844‑846‑9575. You can also scan the QR code on the event poster for quick access and more details.

This fundraiser is a great opportunity to support your community while enjoying a fun outing. Gather your friends and family, plan your visit, and help raise money for the programs and events that make McLean special.

At our June 2nd Board of Trustees meeting, several residents spoke up about the condition of Mill Dam Park — concerns about aging equipment, safety issues, and the overall feel of the space. Those comments sparked an immediate response, and over the past week the park has already begun to transform.

What’s been especially encouraging is how quickly our DPW employee, Dylan Schlee, jumped into action. Within days, he replaced the rusty toddler swing with a brand‑new plastic seat and fresh chains, and he’s preparing to adjust the height of all the swings once the new chains arrive so they’re more comfortable for riders of every age. When residents raised concerns about the placement of the horseshoe toss pegs, Dylan didn’t wait — he removed them entirely while we decide whether the game should be relocated elsewhere in the park.

He also spent time trimming back low‑hanging branches, making the park safer and giving parents and caregivers a clearer view of their kids at play. The picnic area got a refresh too, with new tablecloths, clips, and an added bench. Even the beloved swinging bench received some attention, and Dylan plans to secure it further with Quickrete so it stays sturdy for years to come.

It’s been a meaningful start, and we want to extend a heartfelt thank‑you to Dylan for his care, speed, and craftsmanship!

Even with these early upgrades, we know there’s more to do. Both residents and Dylan have recommended replacing the slide and exploring options to either repair or fully upgrade the play structure. Clerk‑Treasurer Wallace has already begun researching grant opportunities through programs like Community Beautification and NY Plays, and we’re also looking into community build partnerships with companies such as Home Depot.

These next steps will take planning, funding, and community involvement — but they’re absolutely within reach.

Mill Dam Park is a place where our community gathers, plays, celebrates, and relaxes. If you’re interested in helping shape its next chapter — whether through volunteering, planning, fundraising, or simply sharing ideas — we’d love to hear from you.

You can contact Clerk‑Treasurer Wallace directly: clerk@freevilleny.org, 607‑844‑8301

Our goal is simple: to make Mill Dam Park inviting, fun, and safe for everyone who uses it! The improvements underway are just the beginning. With continued collaboration between residents, Village staff, and community partners, we can create a park that reflects the pride and spirit of Freeville.

If you’ve lived in the Village of Freeville for a while, you’ve probably noticed that mosquito season feels a little different each year—sometimes mild, sometimes relentless. What we experience locally lines up with the broader trends across New York State, where mosquito activity and mosquito‑borne virus detections have stayed consistently high. According to the New York State Department of Health, 589 mosquito pools outside New York City tested positive for West Nile virus in 2024, a reminder that mosquito populations remain active and monitored statewide (NYSDOH, 2024). While the state doesn’t publish mosquito‑count data specific to Freeville, these regional patterns help explain why our small community continues to feel the yearly buzz.

Freeville’s geography plays a major role in all of this. Our village sits right along Fall Creek and is surrounded by marshy lowlands—beautiful, but also prime real estate for mosquitoes. These insects lay their eggs in standing water, and they don’t need much of it. A shallow puddle, a slow‑moving bend in the creek, or a quiet pocket of marshland can support hundreds of larvae. Because we’re nestled among wetlands and water‑rich habitats, we naturally see more mosquito activity than communities in drier areas. State surveillance programs confirm that wetlands are among the most productive mosquito‑breeding environments, which is why they’re routinely used as trapping sites for monitoring species and detecting viruses (NYSDOH, 2024).

Because mosquitoes thrive in water, one of the most effective ways to reduce their numbers is to limit the places where they can lay eggs. Around our homes, that means keeping an eye out for anything that collects water—buckets, gutters, birdbaths, wheelbarrows, old flowerpots, even the base of a recycling bin after a storm. Public health guidance consistently shows that removing standing water is one of the simplest and most reliable ways to cut down on mosquito breeding (CDC, 2024). Of course, we can’t drain Fall Creek or the surrounding marshes, so personal protection becomes especially important. Wearing long sleeves and pants during peak mosquito hours, using EPA‑registered repellents, repairing window screens, and keeping kids covered during dusk and dawn can make a meaningful difference.

Residents may also notice that mosquito activity spikes after heavy rains or when the creek runs high. These conditions create temporary pools and expand breeding habitat, which can lead to short‑term population surges. While statewide surveillance focuses more on disease detection than population control, the data still help us understand why mosquito pressure remains a recurring issue in water‑rich communities like ours.

Living in Freeville means enjoying the beauty of Fall Creek, the wildlife in the marshes, and the green spaces that make our village special. It also means taking a few extra steps during mosquito season. By staying aware of local conditions, reducing standing water where we can, and protecting ourselves and our children during peak activity times, we can keep mosquito season manageable—and keep enjoying the place we call home.

Sources: New York State Department of Health. Mosquito-Borne Disease Surveillance Reports, 2024. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Mosquito Control and Prevention Guidance, 2024.

The Village of Freeville will once again host its annual Yard Sales, a long‑standing community event that brings residents and visitors together for a day of discovery, conversation, and exceptional value. The event will take place from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM, offering five full hours to explore a wide range of items throughout the village.

The Freeville Yard Sales are known for their variety and quality. Shoppers will find an assortment of rare items, used goods, and practical household essentials, all offered at bargain prices. Many residents take pride in presenting well‑maintained or unique pieces, making the event particularly appealing to collectors, hobbyists, and anyone who enjoys uncovering unexpected finds.

The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, and the walkable layout of the village makes it easy to browse multiple locations at your own pace. Whether you are searching for antiques, tools, books, children’s items, décor, or simply hoping to enjoy a pleasant morning outdoors, the event offers something for every type of shopper.

To ensure convenient access for all attendees, parking will be available in two central locations:

• Next to the Post Office — Ideal for those wishing to begin near the heart of the sale area.
• At the Village Hall — A spacious option suitable for longer visits and families.

Both locations provide easy walking routes to the participating homes and sale sites.

Visitors are encouraged to bring reusable bags or small carts for carrying purchases, as well as comfortable walking shoes. Early arrival is recommended for those seeking the most distinctive items, as rare pieces often sell quickly.